Giant Steps Australia
Giant Steps Australia is a registered charity, founded in 1995, operating specialized autism schools and therapy services in Sydney and Melbourne for children and adults on the autism spectrum. It is funded by partial government grants and a mature annual fundraising program, with no fees charged for school programs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1995
- HeadquartersGladesville, Australia
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Giant Steps Australia does
Giant Steps Australia is a registered charity founded in 1995 in Sydney that provides specialized education and therapy services for individuals on the autism spectrum. It operates schools in Gladesville (Sydney) and Kew (Melbourne, added in 2016), serving students aged 5-18, and has expanded into adult services through Adult Autism Services. The organization does not charge fees for its school programs; instead, operations are funded through a combination of partial Australian government funding (NDIS and education grants) and donations raised via a mature program of annual fundraising events and corporate sponsorship.
Service delivery is built on a multidisciplinary clinical and educational model that integrates music therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy alongside the school curriculum. The portfolio has been diversified across several sub-brands and programs, including Playsteps (early intervention), The Greenhouse Project, The Autism Hub, The Autism Training Hub, and the Rob Llewellyn-Jones Clinical Centre, reflecting an intentional broadening of the autism service continuum from early intervention through adulthood. Governance is led by Chairman Barry Irvin AM, with 101-250 employees operating across the two campuses.
The revenue model is hybrid charity/grant-based and event-driven. Government funding covers a portion of operating costs, with the balance bridged by philanthropy; in 2025 alone, the Gala Ball raised approximately A$740K (with A$1.5M pledged over two years), and other recurring events such as Tower One, City2Surf, breakfast functions, and community-led functions collectively add several hundred thousand dollars annually. This mature fundraising infrastructure, combined with the fee-free school model and government co-funding, defines Giant Steps' go-to-market as community- and grant-anchored rather than commercial.
Giant Steps Australia firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Giant Steps Australia
- Legal name
- Giant Steps Australia
- Website
- https://giantsteps.net.au
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1995
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Giant Steps Australia is a registered charity, founded in 1995, operating specialized autism schools and therapy services in Sydney and Melbourne for children and adults on the autism spectrum. It is funded by partial government grants and a mature annual fundraising program, with no fees charged for school programs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Giant Steps Australia industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Autism Education Services
- NAICS
- Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Educational Support Services (611710), Child and Youth Services (62411)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Autism-Specific Schools & Programs (EDAKAAAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Autism Early Intervention (Educational) (EDAKAKAB), Autism Executive Functioning & Academic Skills Intervention (EDAKAKAI), Autism Teacher Training & Professional Development (EDAKAKAL), Autism Transition Planning & Postsecondary Readiness (Educational) (EDAKAKAK), Autism Classroom & School Program Support (Inclusion/Resource) (EDAKAKAC)
Keywords
Where Giant Steps Australia is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Gladesville
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices2 records
Markets served
Giant Steps Australia business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Government Funding: Partial funding provided by Australian, NSW and Victorian governments to support school programs. However, government funding does not cover the full cost of operations.
- Donations and Fundraising: The majority of funds are raised through corporate and individual donations, and fundraising events. Giant Steps is a registered charity with tax-deductible donations.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Giant Steps Australia product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Giant Steps Australia operates specialized schools in Sydney (established 1995) and Melbourne (established 2016) delivering individualized education and integrated therapy services (music, occupational, speech) for children aged 5-18 on the autism spectrum. The organization also provides Adult Autism Services, early intervention programs (Playsteps), vocational training through The Greenhouse Project social enterprise, clinical support via the Rob Llewellyn-Jones Clinical Centre, and professional training through The Autism Training Hub.
Product overview
Giant Steps Australia is a registered charity providing specialized education and support services for children and adults on the autism spectrum. The organization operates two school campuses (Sydney established 1995, Melbourne established 2016) serving students aged 5-18 years. The service portfolio includes core educational programs (Early Years, Primary School, Secondary/Senior School), Adult Autism Services, and integrated therapy services (Music Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy). Additional offerings include The Autism Hub (information resource portal at www.theautismhub.net.au), The Autism Training Hub (professional development), The Greenhouse Project (vocational training social enterprise), and the Rob Llewellyn-Jones Clinical Centre (mental health support). Giant Steps does not charge fees for school programs, with support provided by Australian, NSW and Victorian governments supplemented by fundraising.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Playsteps: Early intervention program for young children on the autism spectrum in Sydney
- The Greenhouse Project
- The Autism Hub
- The Autism Training Hub
- Rob Llewellyn-Jones Clinical Centre
Products and services
- Giant Steps Sydney School Specialized education center in Gladesville (23 Punt Road, Gladesville NSW 2111) for students aged 5-18 years on the autism spectrum, recognized as a leading education centre in Australia. Provides individualized education with integrated therapy services.
- Giant Steps Melbourne School Education center in Kew (11 Malmsbury Street, Kew VIC 3101) offering curriculum-based programs for students aged 5-18 years in a caring and supportive environment. Delivers individualized education with integrated therapy services.
- Playsteps Early intervention program for young children on the autism spectrum in Sydney, providing specialized support during early developmental stages.
- Early Years Program Early childhood education program for young children on the autism spectrum, providing specialized educational support during early developmental stages.
- Adult Autism Services Services supporting adults on the autism spectrum with complex needs and their families, offered in both Sydney and Melbourne locations. Includes ongoing support, vocational training, and community participation programs.
- Music Therapy Therapeutic music services provided as part of the comprehensive therapy offerings for students, supporting communication, social, and emotional development.
- Occupational Therapy Professional occupational therapy services supporting skill development and independence for individuals with autism.
- Speech Therapy Speech pathology services helping individuals improve communication and language skills.
- The Greenhouse Project Social enterprise focused on growing and harvesting plants, herbs and vegetables to provide vocational training and workplace skills for individuals on the autism spectrum.
- Rob Llewellyn-Jones Clinical Centre Onsite mental health clinic providing therapeutic support for students and families.
- The Autism Training Hub Training and professional development resources for educators and professionals supporting individuals with autism.
Quantifiable outcome
- Giant Steps Gala Ball 2025 raised $740,000, the highest profit ever achieved from a Giant Steps Ball
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Giant Steps Australia
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Giant Steps Australia technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Giant Steps Australia partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered major and minor.
- Autism Spectrum Foundation (ASF)majorMajor supporter of Giant Steps, aligned in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum.
- Middle Harbour Yacht ClubmajorHost venue for the annual Giant Steps Sailing Regatta, providing facilities and support for the fundraising event.
- Vue de MondeminorPartner for the Rialto Run Up event, offering Breakfast Bar at Vue Events for participants.
- Intercontinental MelbourneminorPartner offering reduced rates for Rialto Run Up participants.
Scale indicators16 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Giant Steps Australia competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Yooralla: Victoria-based disability services provider operating across accommodation, therapy, and community services. Comparable to Giant Steps' Melbourne operations and therapy services, with broader disability scope.
- Northcott: Large Australian disability services provider offering accommodation, therapy, recreation, and respite services across NSW, ACT, and QLD. Overlaps with Giant Steps' Adult Autism Services and therapy offerings but operates as a broader disability incumbent rather than autism-specific specialist.
- Sunnyfield: Large NSW/ACT disability services provider offering accommodation, supported employment, and community participation. Comparable to Giant Steps' Adult Autism Services and Greenhouse Project-vocational support, but broader disability focus.
- Scope Australia: One of Australia's largest disability service providers, supporting people with cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual and physical disabilities across multiple states. Comparable in therapy and adult services but at greater scale and broader disability scope.
- MCM (Melbourne City Mission): Large Victorian community services organization providing disability, education, homelessness, and family support services. Comparable in scale and Victorian footprint, with overlap in disability and education services.
Direct peers
- AEIOU Foundation: Queensland-based registered charity providing early intervention and school-aged autism-specific education programs. Closely comparable to Giant Steps' Playsteps and Early Years programs, with similar fee-subsidized model and registered charity status.
- Noah's Ark Inc. Melbourne-based registered charity providing early intervention and specialist autism education for children from birth to school age. Direct comparable to Giant Steps' Playsteps and Early Years programs geographically and mission-wise.
- Aspect Australia (Autism Spectrum Australia): Australia's largest autism-specific service provider, operating schools, therapy services, and post-school programs across multiple states. Directly comparable to Giant Steps in mission (autism education and support) and service model, but with broader geographic reach.
Emerging players
- Yellow Ladybugs: Australian charity supporting autistic girls and women through community programs and research. Comparable in mission and Australian footprint but with a narrower gender focus and community/event-based model rather than school delivery.
- Kudoz: Specialized program matching autistic young adults with meaningful learning experiences. Comparable to Giant Steps' Adult Autism Services model but with a tech-enabled matching platform approach rather than direct service delivery.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Giant Steps Australia social profiles
Digital presenceGiant Steps Australia compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Giant Steps Australia financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Giant Steps Australia leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Giant Steps Australia funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Giant Steps Australia M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Giant Steps Australia
What does Giant Steps Australia do?
Giant Steps Australia operates specialized schools in Sydney (established 1995) and Melbourne (established 2016) delivering individualized education and integrated therapy services (music, occupational, speech) for children aged 5-18 on the autism spectrum. The organization also provides Adult Autism Services, early intervention programs (Playsteps), vocational training through The Greenhouse Project social enterprise, clinical support via the Rob Llewellyn-Jones Clinical Centre, and professional training through The Autism Training Hub.
Is Giant Steps Australia a public or private company?
Giant Steps Australia is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Giant Steps Australia founded?
Giant Steps Australia was founded in 1995. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Giant Steps Australia based?
Giant Steps Australia is headquartered in Gladesville, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Giant Steps Australia make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Government Funding is the primary driver. The others are donations and Fundraising.
Who are Giant Steps Australia's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Yooralla, Northcott, Sunnyfield, Scope Australia and MCM (Melbourne City Mission). Direct peers are AEIOU Foundation, Noah's Ark Inc. and Aspect Australia (Autism Spectrum Australia). Emerging players are Yellow Ladybugs and Kudoz.
Does Giant Steps Australia have an API?
No public API is recorded for Giant Steps Australia.
What industry is Giant Steps Australia in?
Giant Steps Australia's product category is Autism Education Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAKAAAA, Autism-Specific Schools & Programs, with a secondary code of EDAKAKAB, Autism Early Intervention (Educational). Its NAICS code is 6111 and its SIC code is 8200.